Two coyotes trotted across State College Boulevard, ran across the Cal State Fullerton parking lot and disappeared into the Fullerton Arboretum. BRUCE CHAMBERS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

LOS ALAMITOS– The city is trapping coyotes for a third time to catch and kill nuisance coyotes that neighbors say are killing their pets and stalking their neighborhoods.

Traps were laid out on Wednesday and one coyote has been caught and killed so far, said Cpt. Bruce McAlpine of the Los Alamitos Police Department.

Police on Monday released a report to the City Council saying coyote activity is increasing in the city, much like surrounding neighborhoods including Seal Beach and Rossmoor.

Residents in Carrier Row and New Dutch Haven have reported an increased number of sightings and pet deaths in their neighborhood, which prompted city staff to again hire trappers for two weeks, which costs about $5,000 according to the Police Department's report.

McAlpine said three reports of pet attacks and numerous sightings were reported to police in July.

City Manager Jeff Stewart said trapping stopped over the weekend and resumed again Monday. The city has a two-week contract with Chino Hills-based Animal Pest Management.

The city in 2007 and 2008 hired trappers, which costs the city about $2,500 a week. Two coyotes were caught in 2007 and one was trapped and killed in 2008.

Coyotes that are trapped cannot be relocated and must be killed because the animals can't adapt fast enough and die, wildlife officials have said.

Some wildlife experts also say killing coyotes could prompt future issues, including an increase in rodents and small animals which would, in turn, cause a surge in the coyote population, the city reported.

The city has also continued to implement a public awareness campaign that advises residents to keep food and water sources under wraps and keep small pets indoors.

A countywide problem

Los Alamitos isn't alone in having residents reporting increased activity and sightings of the scavengers. The problem seems to be affecting several Orange County cities, especially those near large open space areas such as Rossmoor, Huntington Beach and Yorba Linda.

Long Beach Animal Control officials say coyotes travel on a path near flood control channels that run from Long Beach through Seal Beach and north to Los Alamitos.

Cities generally see a three-year cycle in coyote activity, Long Beach Animal Control Services Manager John Keisler said.

Coyotes tend to settle where food is abundant, and when food is scarce, the animals will move along their migration path, he said.

Keisler said there have been some cases in which animal control officers found residents intentionally feeding coyotes. One woman was leaving ham on her front porch for the wild animals, he said.

Residents who follow strict guidelines in removing food and water sources will see a decrease in coyote activity, he added.

But residents in Seal Beach and Rossmoor and other Orange County cities say they haven't seen such activity from the animals and some cities have been taking action to remove coyotes.

Huntington Beach also hired trappers in February when the Police Department declared the presence of the animals a public safety threat after residents came forward reporting an increased numbers of pet attacks and coyotes spotted near playgrounds and schools.

What residents can do

Residents should report any sightings or pet attacks to the state Department of Fish and Game and the Los Alamitos Police advises if a resident feels a coyote is threatening human safety, they should call 911.

Long Beach Animal Control Services will also document all coyote attacks on residents' pets.

The city on July 22 and 23 distributed fliers in the Carrier Row and New Dutch Haven neighborhoods, near the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, to warn residents of the coyotes and offer tips on how to deter the animals.

Residents should remove all source of food and water, keep trash cans tightly sealed and cut back shrubbery and large bushes to discourage coyotes from making a home in their neighborhood. Small pets should always be kept indoors or attended when outside.

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